In the book Flat Stanley, Stanley was mailed to California instead of going by train or plane to save money. This idea seems hilarious, crazy, and a wild stretch of the author’s imagination, but did you know that back in 1913-1914, it was legal to send children through the mail? There are cases of “real-life Flat Stanleys” in the United States Postal history.
In 1913, the U.S. Post Office introduced a Parcel Post service for Americans to send larger packages through the Post Office. Before this time, all you could send was a letter. This new service was beneficial for businesses and farmers, but a few people took advantage of it to ship their children! On January 26, 1913, the New York Times reported that a mail carrier in Batavia, Ohio, delivered a baby “mailed” by his parents to his grandmother, who lived about a mile away:
“Vernon O. Lytle, mail carrier on rural route No. 5, is the first man to accept and deliver under parcel post conditions a live baby. The baby, a boy weighing 10-3/4 pounds, just within the 11-pound weight limit, is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Beagle of Glen Este. The boy was well-wrapped and ready for “mailing” when the carrier received him today. Mr. Lytle delivered the boy safely at the address on the card attached, that of the boy’s grandmother, Mrs. Louis Beagle, who lives about a mile distant. The postage was fifteen cents and the parcel was insured for $50.” *From The New York Times. “Baby Boy by Parcel Post.” 26 January 1913
Learn more about this unbelievable but true story in Flat Stanley novel Study, “Could you Be a Real-Life Flat Stanley?”. It is included with the full Flat Stanley Novel Study, or available alone. It includes a reading informational article detailing the longer, complete version of this interesting factoid of our postal history, as well as a math and writing follow-up activity where the student will work to determine the cost to deliver themselves to a travel destination via mail, car, train, or plane! Crazy, fun, and educational all in one!
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Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, is a fun book that is wonderful to use in the classroom.
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This book can spark numerous activities across the curriculum. The book asks the reader to suspend reality and go along for the ride. Students really have a fun time reading Flat Stanley and participating in the extension activities.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Flat Stanley
Completing the Flat Stanley project with your class can be a fun learning experience. Each student will create their own personalized flat character (usually named after themselves). They will ask a relative or friend that lives in a different place to take their character on an adventure and report back. Most helpers get into the fun and make it enjoyable for students to share their results. All three of my kids have sent their flat selves with Grandpa on golf vacations. Grandpa had so much fun with his Flat Grandkids and posed for numerous pictures. My kids were able to share their Flat adventures with their class.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, engaging students in the magic of literature is an ongoing challenge. As educators, we want to ignite the love for reading within young minds, and finding the perfect books to introduce novels can be a daunting task. One series that stands out in captivating the imagination of young readers—Is the Jigsaw Jones series.
James Preller’s, Jigsaw Jones series is a great introduction to chapter books for the younger grades. With its captivating stories, relatable characters, and interactive elements, Jigsaw Jones offers a compelling gateway for young readers into the vast realm of novels.
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Why Teachers Should Embrace Jigsaw Jones Books to Introduce Novels to Students:
Written With Relatable and Endearing Characters: The Jigsaw Jones series, written by James Preller, revolves around an intelligent and curious young detective named Jigsaw Jones and his partner, Mila Yeh. Through their thrilling adventures, students are introduced to relatable characters who exhibit qualities like curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy. The lovable characters act as an inspiration for students, encouraging them to develop these essential traits.
Contains Engaging and Accessible Storylines: The Jigsaw Jones books offer captivating storylines that instantly captivate the attention of young readers. The mysteries are carefully crafted with age-appropriate complexity, providing an ideal platform for introducing students to the world of novels. Each book is designed to be self-contained, making it easy for teachers to introduce them individually or as a series, catering to the needs of diverse classrooms.
Enhances Critical Thinking Skills: The Jigsaw Jones books are not just about entertaining stories; they also promote critical thinking skills in students. Throughout the series, readers are encouraged to observe details, analyze clues, and draw logical conclusions alongside Jigsaw Jones. By actively participating in the detective work, students develop essential problem-solving abilities and engage in critical thinking processes, thereby nurturing their cognitive development.
Promotes Cooperative Learning: One unique aspect of the Jigsaw Jones books is the emphasis on teamwork. Jigsaw and Mila form a dynamic duo, demonstrating the power of collaboration and friendship. Teachers can leverage this theme to foster a sense of community and cooperation within the classroom. By assigning students different roles or characters, teachers can encourage group discussions, allowing students to share their thoughts, collaborate on theories, and work together towards solving the mysteries presented in the books.
Includes Diverse Themes and Relatable Topics: The Jigsaw Jones series tackles a range of relatable themes, including friendship, family, perseverance, and problem-solving. By exploring these topics, students can connect with the characters on a deeper level, enabling them to see themselves within the narratives. This relatability promotes empathy and understanding, facilitating meaningful discussions and encouraging students to explore their own experiences and emotions.
Bridge to Other Novels: Introducing Jigsaw Jones books to students serves as a bridge to more extensive and complex novels. By first immersing themselves in the world of Jigsaw Jones, students become accustomed to the format, language, and structure of novels. The Jigsaw Jones books are age-appropriate, making them an ideal stepping stone for students transitioning from shorter stories to more substantial works. Teachers can leverage the students’ familiarity with Jigsaw Jones and gradually introduce them to other novels, expanding their literary horizons and encouraging a lifelong love for reading.
Incorporating the Jigsaw Jones book series into the classroom provides teachers with a powerful tool to engage young readers and introduce them to the world of novels. The relatable characters, intriguing storylines, collaborative learning opportunities, and seamless transition to other novels make Jigsaw Jones an excellent choice for teachers looking to instill a love for reading in their students. By tapping into their natural curiosity and encouraging critical thinking skills, the Jigsaw Jones books inspire students to explore further literary adventures. The Jigsaw Jones series has over 30 books to choose from. The Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards is a great hook to get your kids started down the road of addiction to chapter-book reading. So, unleash the detective within your students, and embark on a journey into the captivating world of Jigsaw Jones.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Muggie Maggie is a popular children’s novel written by Beverly Cleary that tells the story of a young girl named Maggie who is struggling to learn how to write in cursive. The book is often used as a teaching tool in elementary schools, but it is also a great choice for a novel study for homeschooling or personal reading.
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Muggie Maggie is a great book to use in the classroom
Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel: Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel. The book was first published in 1990 and has been a favorite of elementary school students ever since. By using a classic novel like Muggie Maggie, you can expose your child to timeless themes and lessons that are still relevant today.
Muggie Maggie is relatable: The main character, Maggie, is relatable to many young readers. The story is set in a school environment, and Maggie struggles with a task that many students can relate to, learning how to write in cursive. By reading about Maggie’s struggles and triumphs, students can learn to overcome their own challenges and develop resilience.
Muggie Maggie teaches valuable lessons: Muggie Maggie is more than just a story about learning how to write in cursive. It teaches valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-confidence. Through Maggie’s journey, students can learn about the power of determination and the importance of believing in themselves.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Muggie Maggie
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Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel that teaches valuable lessons and is relatable to many young readers. By using this book as a novel study, you can help your child develop important skills and values, such as perseverance, hard work, and self-confidence.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Muggie Maggie for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
If you are a child of the 1970s and ’80s like me, you grew up with the revered Little House books (and TV series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. As times have progressed and changed, we’ve looked back at these stories with a new perspective in regard to racial issues they present. In 2018, the American Library Association changed the name of their top award from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children’s Literature Legacy Award in response to the change in perspective and inclusiveness in today’s society.
Many people believe that there is no place for the work of Laura Ingalls Wilder in our society. While others believe the whole thing is overblown and nothing is wrong with the books. I see the points with Wilder’s depictions of African Americans, and especially Indigenous Peoples, are derogatory through our 21st-century eyes. There is also merit in her work that kids can benefit from. This offers a teacher a vital opportunity to use as a teachable moment to critique the wrong and extract the good. We can’t ignore history and pretend it never happened. We need to shed light on the mistreatments and inaccuracies for what they are and learn from those mistakes so they are not repeated.
One of the best articles I have read on this subject is by Laura McLemore in her post found here. It puts into historical perspective the times that Wilder was living in during the story, and keeping in mind these books, authored in the 1930s, written through the eyes of an impressionable child who didn’t really have all the knowledge to address the fears she had. This was a very different time for our country and culture. Many views and actions perpetrated during this time were outright wrong and based on false knowledge. If you look through Wilder’s eyes with these points in mind, you can gain perspective of WHY she may have written and believed the things she did without agreeing. You can identify the wrong points in her writing and actions and use the hurtful content to help students understand why this is wrong and how these beliefs continued to hurt as time passed. Kids need to learn these things, and they need to know why it was wrong in order for the future to be a better place.
Because of these beliefs that the Laura Ingalls Wilder books can be used as a tool for greater understanding, a teachable moment, I still feel they have a valuable place in the classroom. Her descriptions of pioneer living are invaluable for children to gain an insight into what it was like living during the late 1800s and what hardships the pioneers faced as they moved west. However, if you do choose to use these books, it is imperative that you give kids the proper historical perspectives and facts. Help them understand the true, and sometimes very awful, part of the history of the western expansion of the United States.
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Benefits of Using Little House in the Big Woods in Your Classroom:
Historical Perspective: One of the greatest benefits of using Little House in the Big Woods in the classroom is its ability to provide students with a firsthand look at American history. Through the eyes of young Laura Ingalls, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life during the 1800s. From daily chores to seasonal celebrations, the novel offers a comprehensive glimpse into a bygone era, helping students develop a deeper appreciation for the past.
Cultural Awareness: In addition to its historical significance, Little House in the Big Woods exposes students to different cultural perspectives. As the Ingalls family interacts with Indigenous tribes and other settlers, readers are prompted to consider the complexities of cultural exchange and coexistence. This exposure fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging students to reflect on their own cultural identities and the diversity of the world around them.
Literary Analysis: From its rich imagery to its compelling characters, Little House in the Big Woods provides ample opportunities for literary analysis. Teachers can guide students in examining elements such as setting, characterization, and theme, fostering critical thinking skills and literary appreciation. Additionally, the novel serves as a springboard for discussions on narrative structure, point of view, and storytelling techniques.
Life Skills: The pioneer lifestyle depicted in Little House in the Big Woods offers valuable lessons in self-sufficiency and resilience. Through Laura’s experiences, students learn about the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and adaptability in the face of adversity. These life skills are not only relevant to historical contexts but also applicable to students’ own lives as they navigate challenges and pursue their goals.
Environmental Awareness: At its core, Little House in the Big Woods celebrates the beauty and bounty of the natural world. From descriptions of the Wisconsin wilderness to depictions of hunting and gathering, the novel underscores the interconnectedness between humans and their environment. By exploring themes of conservation and sustainability, teachers can inspire students to become stewards of the earth and appreciate the wonders of nature.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Little House in the Big Woods lends itself to interdisciplinary learning, allowing teachers to integrate various subjects into their curriculum. For example, students can explore the geography of the Midwest, conduct research on pioneer technologies, or engage in hands-on activities such as cooking traditional recipes mentioned in the novel. By making connections across disciplines, educators create a holistic learning experience that resonates with students’ diverse interests and abilities.
Timeless Themes: Despite being set in the past, Little House in the Big Woods addresses timeless themes that resonate with readers today. From the importance of family bonds to the pursuit of dreams and aspirations, the novel speaks to universal truths about human nature and the human experience. By delving into these themes, teachers can facilitate meaningful discussions and empower students to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and goals.
Little House in the Big Woods offers a myriad of benefits for both teachers and students alike. From its historical insights to its literary richness, this timeless novel provides a wealth of opportunities for learning, exploration, and growth. By embracing the lessons and themes found within its pages, educators can inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in their students, ensuring that the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder continues to endure for generations to come.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany book 1 in the series, Little House in the Big Woods, for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
As a teacher, you are always on the lookout for engaging and interesting books to share with your students. One book that should be at the top of your list is Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar. This beloved children’s book is not only entertaining but also contains important life lessons that can help students learn and grow.
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Benefits of Using Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger in Your Classroom:
Engaging and Fun: Wayside School Gets a Little Strangeris a highly entertaining book that is sure to capture your students’ attention. The book is full of humorous characters and unexpected twists and turns that will keep your students engaged from start to finish.
Promotes Critical Thinking: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger is full of situations that require critical thinking skills. Students will have to use their reasoning skills to understand the motives of the characters and how they solve their problems.
Helps Develop More Advanced Reading Skills: Wayside School Gets a Little Strangeris a chapter book, which requires students to read longer passages and follow a more complex storyline than a simple picture book. This can help students develop their reading skills, such as comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. Additionally, the book includes various literary devices, such as similes, metaphors, and personification, which can help students identify and analyze these elements in their own writing.
Teaches Life Lessons:Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger has several themes that can help students learn important life lessons. For example, the story teaches students the importance of teamwork and how everyone has something to contribute. It also teaches students to be accepting of differences and to be themselves. These lessons can be used to initiate discussions in the classroom about character traits, self-esteem, and acceptance.
Supports Literacy Development: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger is an excellent tool for developing students’ literacy skills. The text is written in an engaging and accessible style that will help students develop their reading and comprehension abilities.
Provides Writing Prompts:Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger can be used to inspire writing prompts that help students develop their creative writing skills. For example, students can be asked to write a sequel to the story or to write a narrative from the perspective of a different character. They can also be asked to identify and analyze literary devices in the story or to write their own examples of these devices.
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger is a highly engaging and entertaining children’s book that is perfect for the classroom. By using the book as a teaching tool, you can help your students develop important literacy skills, critical thinking abilities, and valuable life lessons. With the tips outlined in this blog post, you can optimize your use of the book and create a positive learning environment for your students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
You can also buy all four units together in a discounted bundle!
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
“Vernon O. Lytle, mail carrier on rural route No. 5, is the first man to accept and deliver under parcel post conditions a live baby. The baby, a boy weighing 10-3/4 pounds, just within the 11-pound weight limit, is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Beagle of Glen Este. The boy was well-wrapped and ready for “mailing” when the carrier received him today. Mr. Lytle delivered the boy safely at the address on the card attached, that of the boy’s grandmother, Mrs. Louis Beagle, who lives about a mile distant. The postage was fifteen cents and the parcel was insured for $50.”
